See It: Columbus Day Parade Returns To NYC

NEW YORK CITY — An explosion of green, white and red flags greeted the in-real-life return of the Columbus Day parade to New York City — along with some traditional jeers for the mayor.

The 77th annual celebration of Italian-American culture Monday wasn't all virtual like last year's coronavirus-tinged affair. This year, proud Italians wove down Fifth Avenue in person.

Honorees and attendees included Citarella owner Joe Gurrera, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, an Italian American himself, was also there — but some spectators weren't so happy with him. A New York Post reporter captured video of the crowd jeering him.

"F--- you, de Blasio, you piece of garbage," one spectator could be heard yelling.

Columbus Day celebrations for many outside Italian-American communities have become problematic, at best, given Christopher Columbus' role in enslaving, subjugating and killing people who were indigenous to the Americas.

Many New Yorkers and Americans have opted to recognize the holiday instead as Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Hochul, despite her attendance at the parade, took time to mark the first official Indigenous Peoples' Day state holiday.

"Join me as we celebrate New York Indigenous Peoples, their sovereignty, & their place in history — and as we recognize the scars left by their unjust treatment & build foundations of trust," she tweeted.

Check out photographs from the parade:

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